Child Abuse

The state of New Hampshire takes child abuse charges seriously and prosecutors are prepared to seek the highest possible penalty for anyone suspected of this crime.

If you are facing a child abuse charge, you need to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side throughout the process. That means as soon as you’ve been arrested you should contact Nashua, New Hampshire defense lawyer Michael Anzalone.

The state statutes outline New Hampshire’s Child Protection Act. It’s extensive and exhaustive and you may need your lawyer to help you understand the charges you are now facing.

This is a tough charge to fight. And it may be the toughest test for you, as a parent. If you have been accused of child abuse or child neglect, the odds are your child could be taken away from you, at least on a temporary basis.

What should you do?

Call criminal defense attorney Michael Anzalone.

At The Anzalone Law Firm we understand family law and the charges you are up against. Our goal is to help you get the help you need to have a reunion with your child. Keep in mind if your parental rights are terminated, you will lose your rights to your child. We don’t want this to happen and will work with you to get your life back on track.

Here’s what typically happens after a parent is charged with abuse. There will be a filing by the state of an abuse petition. This takes place in family court. If the judge says there is evidence that you abused or neglected your child, he or she may order a protective supervision _ sometimes called legal custody _ to the state’s Division of Children Youth and Families. This agency will take your child and place them in a home where they will be safe while the case advances through court.

During a preliminary hearing, if a judge determines there is an immediate danger to the child, your case will be scheduled for an adjudicatory hearing, or trial. At the trial, the DCYF and your attorney will present their cases. The burden is on the state agency to prove that your child was abused or neglected. If it’s determined that the child has indeed been abused, the matter will be schedule for another hearing, called a dispositional hearing. At this point, a social study will be conducted which examines you, your family, your house, school records and medical records. Once all of this is completed, the judge will review the case and make a determination of the steps you’ll need to take to get your child or children back.

You’ll have 12 months to correct the conditions the court outlined. If you don’t correct the conditions by that date, the state may permanently remove your child from your custody.

Please call Michael Anzalone at 603.548.3797 today so he can listen to what happened and help you begin the lengthy process of trying to get custody of your child restored. We are available for a free consultation.